6 Hour Ultra Marathon Race

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Clove Lakes Park, Staten Island
20 September 2014
20 Miles, 4:39:48 Finish

The 2014 6 Hour Ultra Marathon Race did not turn out to be an ultramarathon for me. This was my fourth 6-hour run and I would have enjoyed it if not for a hip problem that creeped up on me by mile 12. I managed eight more before giving up. I could barely walk by mile 20, much less run.

I ran this event in 2013, when it had been temporarily moved to another Staten Island park. I think I liked the other course a little better, although this one was much more scenic. Clove Lakes Park consists of three small lakes; the course consisted of a 2-mile loop on a paved path circling the lower two. There were a couple of hills, but it was flat for the most part.

course_map

The day started out well enough. The park was super easy to get to by bus, so that took a lot of stress out of the equation. I ran with a hydration pack, having learned my lesson at the Pajama Romp in July. I didn’t have any trouble with eating or drinking, just stiffness in my right hip that began early and couldn’t be fixed by stretching. Instead of pushing it and risking injury, I decided to stop at an even 20 miles.

I had a chance to run with some very nice people, including Kat, who I ran with at Wildcat Ridge in 2013. I do wish I knew more of the runners. Faces are beginning to be familiar, but I tend to be shy at these runs when I wouldn’t be in another situation. Something to work on in 2015.

Runners milling about before the start.
Runners milling about before the start.
The largest of the three lakes.
The largest of the three lakes.
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A long stretch of flat path.
Our esteemed leader Richie with our fabulous timing table volunteers.
Our esteemed leader Richie with our fabulous timing table volunteers.
Obligatory lake selfie.
Obligatory nature selfie.

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